Zika virus is spread to people from the bite of mosquitoes infected by biting other people who already have this infection. Most people infected with Zika feel completely fine and those who do become sick typically have mild symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon, but it can cause severe complications in women who are pregnant.

Additionally, treatment is mostly supportive, so people do not need to see a doctor just because they are bitten by mosquitoes in Loudoun County.

In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects and poor pregnancy outcomes. In response, CDC has issued a travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

In January 2016, the Virginia Department of Health confirmed a case of Zika in an adult resident of Virginia who recently traveled to a country where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Multiple additional cases of travel associated infection have been confirmed in northern Virginia. Zika virus infection in this individual served as a reminder that people in Virginia can acquire the disease during travel to countries where Zika virus transmission is occurring.

The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms can last from several days to a week. There is currently no vaccine to prevent and no medicine to treat Zika virus infection.

When traveling to countries where Zika virus has been reported, all travelers should take steps to prevent mosquito bites, such as using use insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.

It is also important to stay safe from Asian Tiger mosquitoes, the type of mosquito that can transmit Zika, around your home by addressing the containers that breed these mosquitoes and by wearing insect repellent when outdoors both during the day and night. A checklist is available in English and Spanish for your convenience.